Ahfazur Rahman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ahfaz-ur-Rahman احفاظُ الرّحمٰن
Born	Ahfaz-ur-Rahman (1942-04-04)4 April 1942 Jabalpur, India
Died	12 April 2020(2020-04-12) (aged 78) Karachi, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistani
Occupation	Journalist

Ahfaz-ur-Rahman (Urdu: احفاظُ الرّحمٰن ) (born 4 April 1942 – 12 April 2020) was an important Pakistani journalist, writer, and poet. He worked very hard to make sure that the press was free and that journalists had their rights.

Rahman wrote many books. Some of his books were about how journalists fought against military rule in Pakistan. He also wrote collections of articles about people who spoke out against unfairness around the world. He even wrote poetry. Besides his own writing, he translated several books into the Urdu language. He passed away on 12 April 2020 in Karachi, Pakistan.

About Ahfaz-ur-Rahman's Life

His Early Years and Education

Rahman receiving an award from famous poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

Ahfaz-ur-Rahman was born in Jabalpur, India, in 1942. When he was young, his family moved to Pakistan in 1947. During his school years, he was very good at writing and won many awards for it.

He was inspired by famous writers like Sahir Ludhyanvi and Krishan Chander. These writers were part of a group that wanted to bring positive change through their words. Rahman became a student leader and joined student groups that worked for change. He even took part in student protests in 1962 and 1964 against the government at that time. In 1969, he went to work in Beijing, China, for a publishing house that printed books in different languages.

Rahman working with farmers in rural China.

Fighting for Rights

Rahman during a protest against media bans in 2007.

Rahman started his work as an activist after he returned to Pakistan from China in 1972. He played a big part in organizing a movement to protect the freedom of the press. This was during a time when the government was very strict.

He was one of three journalists who had to hide to keep the movement going. He was even sent to prison for his efforts. The movement began in 1977 when a newspaper called Daily Musawaat was banned by the government.

In December 1977, journalists from all over Pakistan came to Karachi to protest. Rahman was one of the first journalists to be arrested. Later, in April and May 1978, more than 120 journalists were arrested in Lahore. Rahman was again among the first to be arrested. He was even told he could not enter the Punjab province for six months.

In July 1978, journalists again came to Karachi to protest. Rahman went into hiding to help organize more protests. He arranged for groups of journalists, workers, and students to join the protests.

After the movement ended, Rahman faced tough times. Many major newspapers would not hire him because of his activism. This meant he was unemployed for a long time. In 1985, he finally found a job again at the Foreign Language Press in Beijing, China, where he had worked before.

Ahfaz-ur-Rahman's Journalism Career

After returning to Pakistan in 1993, Rahman joined Daily Jang. This was the biggest Urdu newspaper in Pakistan. He became the editor for their magazine section.

In 2002, he was chosen as the President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). This is the main group that represents journalists in Pakistan.

As president, he spoke out against newspaper owners who were not giving journalists their fair rights. He also pushed for them to follow rules about fair pay. Because he spoke out so much, he lost his job.

After being unemployed again, Rahman found a job at another Urdu newspaper called Daily Express. He also wrote a weekly column for them called "Black and White."

In November 2007, Rahman was among the first journalists arrested during protests. These protests were against the government's decision to ban several TV channels.

Rahman also worked to make the Karachi Press Club a strong and active place for journalists. He did not like people who tried to make the club less focused on important issues.

In February 2008, something special happened. Four of his new books were launched at the same event in Karachi. Many poets, writers, journalists, and activists came to celebrate.

In November 2013, a new collection of Rahman's poetry was launched. It was called Zinda Hai Zindagi ("Life, it is alive!"). Famous poet Fehmida Riaz said that his poetry showed what the nation hoped to achieve. Other well-known writers also spoke about his work.

In 2015, Rahman wrote a book about the important movement for press freedom in 1977-78. This book shared the story of journalists who were jailed and punished for fighting for their right to share information freely. Many important thinkers in Karachi attended the book launch. A journalist named Muhammad Ali Siddiqi said the book was a very important addition to what is known about journalism in Pakistan.

His Roles in Newspapers

• Group Magazine Editor, Express (2005-2018)
• Executive Editor, Daily Amn (2004–2005)
• Group Magazine Editor, Daily Jang (1993-2003)

His Union Work

• Member of the Executive Council for the National Students Federation (NSF), Pakistan.

Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award

In 2022, Rahman's family worked with a committee and the Karachi Arts Council to create a special award. It is called the Ahfaz-ur-Rahman Award for Courage and Freedom of Expression. A group of respected thinkers and activists decide who receives the award each year.

In 2022, the lifetime achievement award went to Mr. Amar Jaleel. He is a brave writer and journalist known for always speaking his mind. The contemporary award was given to Ms. Asma Shirazi. She is a courageous journalist known for her honest reporting, even when she faces challenges.

See also